remains unreturned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remains unreturned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has not been returned or responded to, often in contexts involving messages, calls, or items that were expected to be returned. Example: "Despite several attempts to reach out, my call remains unreturned, leaving me concerned about the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A phone call reminder follows in a further two weeks if the questionnaire remains unreturned.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In China, the islands are seen as the last unreturned piece of Chinese territory seized during the building of Japan's empire more than a century ago, and thus a sign that Japan remains unrepentant.

The New York Times

Unreturned books remained scattered across the entire prison.

Vice

Another unreturned serve, game.

The Guardian - Sport

Telephone calls went unreturned.

The Economist

"Both went unreturned".

The New York Times

Calls and emails went unreturned.

The Washington Post

She had 32 unreturned serves.

The New York Times

Calls to Rogers went unreturned.

The New York Times - Sports

Oh OK, an unreturned serve will do.

The Guardian - Sport

Such favors did not go unreturned, however.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "remains unreturned", ensure the context clearly indicates what is expected to be returned, whether it's a physical item, a message, or an action.

Common error

Avoid using "remains unreturned" when an active voice would be more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The call remains unreturned", consider "He did not return the call".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remains unreturned" functions as a descriptor, indicating a continued state of not being returned. As Ludwig AI correctly points out, it highlights that something is still in a state of not being returned.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remains unreturned" correctly describes something that has not been given back or responded to, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically sound, it's a relatively rare construction, primarily appearing in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When writing, be mindful that a more direct active voice may sometimes be clearer, as there are perfectly interchangeable alternatives such as "has not been returned" or "is still unanswered". It is worth noting that this analysis is based on a limited number of examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has not been returned

A more direct and literal way of saying something hasn't been given back.

is still outstanding

This alternative focuses on the unresolved or incomplete nature of something.

is still unanswered

This alternative specifically applies to questions or communications that have not received a response.

is yet to be replied to

This alternative highlights the lack of response or acknowledgement.

is still pending

This suggests something is waiting for a decision or action.

is still unresolved

Focuses on the lack of resolution or solution to a problem or issue.

has not been acknowledged

This emphasizes the lack of recognition or acceptance.

is still unreciprocated

This alternative is used when referring to things like love or feelings.

is still in limbo

Suggests a state of uncertainty or suspension.

is still forthcoming

Implies that something is expected but has not yet arrived or happened.

FAQs

What does "remains unreturned" mean?

The phrase "remains unreturned" means that something has not been given back, answered, or reciprocated and is still in that state. It often implies an expectation of a return that hasn't been met.

What can I say instead of "remains unreturned"?

You can use alternatives like "has not been returned", "is still outstanding", or "is still unanswered" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the call remains unreturned"?

Yes, "the call remains unreturned" is grammatically correct and understandable. However, it's often more direct to say "the call was not returned" or "the call is still unanswered".

Can "remains unreturned" apply to feelings or emotions?

While less common, "remains unreturned" can be used to describe unreciprocated feelings or emotions, similar to saying love "is still unreciprocated".